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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Suggest Remedy For Spreading Shingles

4 days ago I woke up with red rash on my right arm. Went to VA Doctor and he said it was shingles. he called in a rush order of VALACYCLOVIR HCL 1GM TAB. That was Wednesday and the drug is still not here. I expect it will be Monday before it is in my mail. In teh mean time the rash is getting worse and spreading to insides of my fingers, which is quite uncomfortable as I am right handed. What can I do for the next 48 hours to help with the rash and pain until the anti viral meds arrive. Also now that it will be 5 days since getting this how well will the drugs work?
posted on Wed, 4 Jun 2014
Twitter Fri, 4 May 2018 Answered on
Twitter Tue, 8 May 2018 Last reviewed on
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Dermatologist 's  Response
Hello and Welcome to ‘Ask A Doctor’ service.
I have reviewed your query and here is my advice.

As per your case history of shingles, my treatment advice is -
1. Don't squeeze the lesions as it may worsen the condition.
2. Apply a mild antibiotic cream like Fusiderm cream twice daily on it.
3. Take an NSAID (Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) like Ibuprofen for 5-7 days.
4. Other treatment options are oral antibiotics, oral Acyclovir taken only after consulting a dermatologist.

Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards,      
Dr. Harshit Bhachech
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Suggest Remedy For Spreading Shingles

Hello and Welcome to ‘Ask A Doctor’ service. I have reviewed your query and here is my advice. As per your case history of shingles, my treatment advice is - 1. Don t squeeze the lesions as it may worsen the condition. 2. Apply a mild antibiotic cream like Fusiderm cream twice daily on it. 3. Take an NSAID (Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) like Ibuprofen for 5-7 days. 4. Other treatment options are oral antibiotics, oral Acyclovir taken only after consulting a dermatologist. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards, Dr. Harshit Bhachech